National Constitutional Review Coalition inaugurated

The Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) on Thursday inaugurated a National Constitutional Review Coalition (NCRC), which would provide various platforms for civil society groups to provide inputs to the constitutional review process. The NCRC project intends to provide technical information for the review process through research, seminars and publications, as well as undertake public education and advocacy in key areas of democracy, governance and constitutionalism. Mr Victor Brobbey, a research fellow of the CDD and a Coordinator of the project said even though the 1992 Constitution had a number of progressive and innovative provisions, there were a number of provisions that impeded the country's efforts at creating a more democratic and well-governed country, saying, "The time is right for the review of the constitution". He said the project would ensure that there was an opportunity for the public in the review process, as well as provide a forum for key civil society and media stakeholders to discuss constitutional reform issues. The NCRC is made up of representatives of about 48 civil society organisations. The implementation of the project would involve a number of activities, including research projects and stakeholder workshops. The project is expected to last for about 18 months but could be extended for as long as the constitutional review process continues. The Coalition is co-chaired by Prof. Samuel Gyandoh, a former dean of the faculty of law at the University of Ghana, Legon and Justice V.C.R.A.C Crabbe, a former Supreme Court justice. Government last initiated a process to review the 1992 Constitution, inaugurating a Constitutional Review Commission on December 11, 2009 to reconsider some provisions of the Constitution.